Travel Bulletin Mediterranean Islands 2013

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All About the

Mediterranean Islands May 2013

Your one-stop guide to all the latest news and developments in the Mediterranean Islands

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ALL ABOUT THE

Mediterranean Islands CONTENTS Malta - 4

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reece and Cyprus have been through their fair share of ups and downs over recent years, and Cyprus in particular has had a tough start to 2013.

The Cypriot government’s attempt to impose one-off tax on the deposits of all customers of Cypriot banks, following the decision to accept a € 10 billion bailout from the European Union, led to widespread protests on the island.

While the dust has settled on the bailout issue for now following the government’s decision to backtrack on the one-off tax issue and spare bank deposits less than €100,000, the tourism industry and the contribution it makes to the country’s economy has never been so important.

For this year’s supplement, we focus on Cyprus, Greece and the ever-popular Malta, which has had a strong start to 2013 with operators adding more regional flights to meet demand. The island’s capital Valletta is celebrating being named European Capital of Culture for the year 2018, and a regeneration project of the same name highlighting the capital’s symbolic buildings is underway.

In our ‘For agents’ feature, we find out from Mediterranean specialists and tourist boards what they are doing to help agents sell their destinations, while in our ‘Question Time’ feature, we talk to agents to find out about their experiences of selling islands in the Med to their clients.

Our Regional Round-up gets the lowdown on the Balearics, Italian islands and Corsica, while our ‘Holidays for less than...’ feature finds out the best deals from operators so you don’t have to.

I hope you find this supplement to be a good sales tool when it comes to selling Mediterranean islands for summer 2013. Also, I welcome any feedback on our new features and anything you may like to see in future supplements.

Angela Cronin Supplements editor

All About The Mediterranean Islands

Cyprus - 7

Greece - 11

For agents - 14

Question Time - 15

Regional Round-up - 18

Holidays for less than... 19

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Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Genaro Santos & Nicky Valsamakis Printed by: Premier Press Cover Picture: iStock ISSN: 0956-2419

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Three’s the magic number From culture to nightlife, from diving to temples that predate the Pyramids of Giza, what’s not to love about the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino?

Its outdoor pools and location in Salina Bay which has shallow waters makes the Qawra Palace Hotel popular with families

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ver recent years, Malta and its islands are a shining example of how to adapt your offering to the changing landscape of travel.

Mini-break, family getaway or long-stay, Malta has accommodation, festivals and activities to suit any holiday duration.

And with Britons still feeling the pinch, the affordability factor is what can seal the deal for many agents selling Mediterranean holidays. Luckily, Malta has that too with the Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer 2013 showing £1.12 as the average cost of a coffee in Malta, considerably lower than some its Med rivals.

Operators such as Cosmos and Avro Flights are seeing strong bookings for Malta and have added regional departures to Malta to offer more flexibility and meet demand.

This summer, there will be three flights a week from both Gatwick and Manchester and twice-weekly services from East Midlands.

Product manager Jody Clapham said: “We are making our Malta programme more flexible and introducing flights to offer the convenience of flying from customers’ local airports.”

Talking about the hotels that are proving popular this year, Clapham says: “Our higher-graded, all-inclusive units continue to be the best performers including the Seabank Resort which is now our best-selling unit for the gateway.”

Avro managing director Michael Vinales said: “Malta is a key summer destination for us and a popular one for agents to selfpackage. Our Malta programme for this summer is the most comprehensive to date as we now offer agents flights from up to nine UK airports.

So with this in mind we catch up with the specialists to get their tips on who to send where in Malta this year.

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For families The Adventure Company has an eight-day Malta and Gozo Adventure that is perfectly suited for families with young children who want a holiday that is more adventurous than sitting by a pool or on a beach.

This tour allows visitors the opportunity to soak up the magnificence of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage capital Valletta at a leisurely pace, before exploring the more rural island of Gozo by jeep and bike, including a day with a local shepherd learning to tend sheep and make cheese. There’s also a boat excursion to Malta’s smallest sister island Comino, where families can swim and snorkel in the island’s blue lagoon.

How much? Prices are from £759 per adult and £721 per child and include flights, accommodation, some meals, local transport, excursions and a local tour leader.

Malta specialist Belleair Holidays recommends the Qawra Palace Hotel on the Qawra seafront overlooking Salina Bay. The bay is the perfect location for families as the water is not deep and there are lots of opportunities to go snorkelling.

It is also just a 15-minute walk from the resort centre of Bugibba, which has a variety of shops, restaurants and bars. The Qawra Palace Hotel has plenty of facilities and activities for all the family including outdoor and indoor pools, Jacuzzis, games rooms, tennis courts, mini golf and water-skiing, paragliding, jet skis are just some of the water sports available from the hotel.

How much? Belleair Holidays offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the Qawra Palace, including flights with Air Malta from Newcastle, transfers and complimentary entrance to one of

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MALTA the island’s attractions from £1,673 per family, saving up to £50 per family. This offer is based on three people sharing (two adults and one child) and valid for travel on 4 June.

For active types Malta’s sister island of Gozo has established a reputation as offering some of the best diving in the world, according to specialist operator Original Diving.

The underwater landscape is made of caverns, tunnels and reefs so is the perfect place to discover an abundance of exotic fish. Its warm, all-year-round climate also means that diving is possible 12 months of the year. Add to that the rustic charm of Gozo, where the laid-back pace of life that has been part of the island’s DNA for centuries remains untouched by the fast tempo of the 21st-century world and you have the perfect destination for your clients who want to have a mix of active days and chilled-out evenings.

As well as diving, guests can also kayak on the red sand beach at Ramla Bay and snorkel at the nearby island of Comino.

The island is also worth exploring to discover its charming villages and some prehistoric sites such as the Ggantija temples, which are the oldest freestanding structures in the world, predating the Pyramids of Egypt by some 1,000 years.

How much? Original Diving offers seven nights’ self-catering in a farmhouse from £590 per person, based on a family of four

Operator news Valletta has been awarded the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture for the year 2018.

As part of the honour, a regeneration project has been started, the symbol of which will be a new-look gateway to Valletta, designed by architect Renzo Piano who also designed The Shard. There will also be a new outdoor performance venue at the Opera Site and a new Parliament building.

Meanwhile, a new website has launched that aims to highlight Malta’s rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage.

Cultural Malta, www.culturalmalta.org features historical timelines, interactive features and details on exhibitions, galleries, museums and heritage buildings. To celebrate Cultural Malta, Belleair Holidays is offering visitors a Malta Pass from ÂŁ23 per person, which will give them free access to 40 attractions and discounts at 50 restaurants, shops and other activities across Malta and Gozo.

Olympic Holidays has added Gozo to its Summer Sun programme this year. The operator is featuring the four-star water's-edge Calypso Hotel in Marsalforn. Prices lead in at £350 per person for a week’s B&B.

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MALTA including transfers, car hire and flights or £2,200 for a family of four including a PADI Open Water course each.

Adventure specialist Explore has an eight-day Malta and Gozo Discovery tour that takes customers on a journey to discover some of the best-preserved ancient sites in the Med, including the temple ruins of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra.

The tour also explores the capital Valletta, its impressive fortifications, bastion walls and imposing churches and travels along the spectacular coast of Dwejra before heading off to Gozo for some walking tours, wine tasting and a visit to an olive estate.

How much? From £965 per person including flights, seven nights’ B&B and a tour leader and local guides.

Off the beaten track If your clients are desperate to turn up, tune in and drop out for a week or so, then there is no better place to do exactly that than on the island of Gozo.

Belleair Holidays recommends Village Tal Fanal on the outskirts of the village of Gharsi. Described as a “village within a village”, it has a cluster of rustic-style maisonettes with typical

farmhouse-style wooden beam interiors all set around a swimming pool.

The village is also located close to St George's Basilica and Ggantija Temples.

How much? Seven nights’ self-catering including flights with Monarch Airlines, car hire and complimentary entrance to one of the island’s attractions from £509 per person.

Why Malta?

The culture A UNESCO World Heritage city, Valletta is the capital of Malta and was built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565 and was named after their victorious Grand Master, Jean Parisot de la Vallette.

The city is contained by a ring of walls and bastions and is packed full of great examples of Baroque architecture including the Grand Master’s Palace and St John’s Co-Cathedral. Mdina is a medieval walled town, which has barely changed in centuries with lots of medieval and baroque architecture and a number of quaint cafés and tea houses in which to relax and watch the world go by.

Other must-sees are Three Cities of Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (L-Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) which are a set of three harbour towns linked with the history of Malta, from medieval times to World War II. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are ancient limestone temples set on a cliff-top in one of Malta’s most unspoilt regions.

The Hypogeum is an underground necropolis made from the rock of the island around 3600 BC and later expanded by tunnelling even deeper.

Meanwhile, the Ggantija temples on Gozo are the oldest freestanding structures in the world, predating the Pyramids of Egypt by some 1,000 years.

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The great outdoors Water sports is big in Malta, particularly diving because of its all-year-round, warm climate, shallow reef dive sites and wreck dives.

Deep-water soloing which involves rock climbing above the sea wearing just a swimsuit and climbing shoes is also popular, along with abseiling, cycling or just plain old walking.

Sailing is also a popular pastime with a number of yacht charter companies to choose from. For a more laid-back option, the 18-hole Royal Malta Golf Club welcomes visitors and boasts the Duke of Edinburgh as a member.

For families, the sandy beaches and shallow waters make Malta’s beaches a safe place for the little ones.

There’s also the Mediterraneo Water Park with dolphin shows and sea lions, the Playmobile Park and the Splash and Fun Park and not forgetting the Popeye Village in Anchor Bay, the set for the Popeye movie starring Robin Williams.

Mind, body and soul Spas are becoming big business on the islands with a number of hotels specialising in health and wellbeing packages. These include: the Fortina Spa Resort in Sliema, which is an allinclusive spa resort with four spas, a

dental clinic, cosmetic surgery and the therapeutic spa bedrooms; the Ta‘Cenc Hotel on Gozo and the Kempinski San Lawrenz, also on Gozo, which incorporates one of the largest marine care centres in the Mediterranean and the largest authentic ayurvedic centre in Europe.

Show business The islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino have provided the backdrop to many a Hollywood blockbuster over the years.

So touring the islands’ movie locations is a popular pastime with film fans.

Movies that have been shot on the island include: Midnight Express (1978); Popeye (1980); Cutthroat Island (1995); White Squall (1996); Gladiator (2000); U-571 (2000); The Count of Monte Cristo (2002); Swept Away (2002); Troy (2004); Alexander (2004); and A Different Loyalty (2004).

Festivals Malta also has a packed festival calendar throughout the year. The big ones are the Isle of MTV Malta Special (Rita Ora is headlining this year), Malta Arts Festival, Malta Jazz Festival, International Choir Festival and the Passion of Jesus Christ Good Friday celebrations.

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CYPRUS

Back on track It’s been a tough start to 2013 for Cyprus, but with summer just around the corner, things are looking up as the bookings start to come in

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yprus has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent months following widespread protests that greeted the news of a one-off tax on the deposits of all customers of Cypriot banks, after the government agreed a €10 billion European Union bailout.

The terms and conditions of the bailout have since been re-negotiated, and while economic recovery in Cyprus still has a way to go, thoughts are turning to the summer and the vital role tourism can play in helping the economy back on its feet.

The industry has responded well with hoteliers offering attractive deals, and operators seeing bookings bouncing back in recent weeks.

We put our proverbial ear to the ground to find out what the operators and hoteliers alike are doing to ensure Cyprus continues to keep its Brit appeal.

InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel The five-star resort just outside Paphos has introduced an allinclusive option following feedback from guests.

The all-inclusive offering includes buffet breakfast, a set menu at lunch and a themed dinner buffet at five of the resort’s restaurants and bars. Snacks and afternoon tea are available throughout the day along with a drinks package.

Darren Eade, director of sales travel and trade UK and Ireland, says: “It was something we had been thinking about for a while and due to feedback from both guests and agents alike we have finally introduced it from this month.

“Also, we felt there was a gap in the market for a ‘luxury’ all-inclusive product for short-haul Med destinations as previously there had been a perception that you had to travel long haul to receive a truly ‘luxury’ all-inclusive offering. We hosted 65 UK agents and their partners so they could sample

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the new all-inclusive board.”

As well as the new all-inclusive option, Aphrodite Hills has introduced Beach Weddings at its Cove Beach Club, which gives the wedding party the chance to take over the Beach Club for the big day.

Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights’ allinclusive from £1,395 per person with flights.

Sunvil Holidays The specialist has introduced its first properties on the east coast of Cyprus.

Located on the edge of Cape Greco national park, Artisan Homes in Ayia Napa is a gated community of 15 eco-friendly houses that were built in 2009 and offer accommodation for up to seven people per property. Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £752 per person including flights and transfers.

New attractions Ktima Dafermou, a new winery, has opened above the Lefkara Valley, just a 30-minute drive from Larnaca.

The 50-acre vineyard blends new technological advances in wine production with traditional wine-making techniques of Cyprus - which is said to be one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Visitors are introduced to the numerous varieties of grape, the techniques and the process of wine production before sampling the wines.

Larnaca Tourism Larnaca Tourism has released a new YouTube video and is encouraging all agents to watch it.

The video showcases the region’s historical gems, beach life, water sports, land sports, churches, nature, arts, agrotourism and festivals. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4yTVh93ocI 7

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CYPRUS The specialist is also featuring the newly-refurbished Alexander the Great Hotel with seven nights’ half-board from £755, including flights and transfers.

Sunvil is offering discounts of up to 25% on Cyprus villa stays this month and next month. A seven-night selfcatering stay in Pomos, at Villa Stella Maris, will now cost from £672 per person, which includes flights and transfers.

Cosmos Holidays The operator has expanded its Cyprus programme with the introduction of new hotels, resorts and flights, which are now available from Leeds Bradford for summer 2013.

The new twice-weekly services to Larnaca depart on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The new properties include the Grecian Sands in Ayia Napa, Lordos Beach in Larnaca, the Curium Palace in Limassol and Golden Coast in Protaras.

“I cannot wait to go back...”

Caroline Bailey, Travel Counsellor from Newton Abbott travelled to Cyprus earlier this year on an educational with the Cyprus Tourist Office. During the trip the agents stayed at the four-star Nissi Beach Resort near Ayia Napa, the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol and the five-star Almyra Hotel in Paphos.

They visited the five-star Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol and the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills just outside Paphos.

Where Caroline went Ayia Napa: “We visited the monastery of Ayia Napa, which is a peaceful, unexpected retreat and then we went on to the harbour – a lovely place to enjoy a drink and just relax in the sun.”

Larnaca: “With nearly 10,000 years of history, Larnaca is one of the oldest regions in the Med. We enjoyed walking along the promenade, which is an ideal place to sit and people watch. We explored the town before having lunch on the waterfront.”

Tochni: “An inland village, Tochni has 8

rustic accommodation for visitors who prefer a rural setting. It’s a great choice for walkers and cyclists keen to discover the inland region.”

Zygi: “A village between Limassol and Larnaca, it’s a great place to visit for lunch with a good selection of fish tavernas.”

Troodos Mountains: “After a scenic one-hour drive, we arrived at the Tsiakkis Winery, where we were given an informative and interesting talk by the owner Costas on the wine-making process. Afterwards we were invited to taste the delicious wines.”

Kakopetria Village: “Apparently, the village name means bad stone.

According to legend, the village was named after a big stone which came down from the mountain, killing a couple during their wedding! The village is beautiful. Built down a hillside, it is very traditional. It’s a great place for tourists wishing to explore real Cyprus with a small hotel and apartments. After lunch we went to Omodhos Village with a nice square full of cafes and shops,

this is a regular stop on tours.”

Paphos: “En route to Paphos we stopped at the Petra trou Romiou or Aphrodite’s Rock - birthplace of Aphrodite - the goddess of love and beauty. In the evening we ate at local restaurant Ta Mbania, where we were served a fantastic fish meze. After dinner we sampled some of Paphos's nightlife, enjoying cocktails and a range of music in local bars.

The following day we walked around Paphos harbour to the Mosaics - well worth a visit.

The Tombs of the Kings: “A collection of tombs thought to be an ancient burial site for aristocrats and high officials of Paphos - really interesting. From here we went to Pano, (old) Paphos and explored the market. There are many restaurants here and it is worth taking the time to explore this area.”

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CYPRUS

The ancient temples and ruins are a big part of what attracts visitors to the island

Olympic Holidays The Cyprus specialist has added the So White Boutique Suites and So Nice Boutique Suites, sister four-star properties with bungalow suites near Ayia Napa for 2013. Commercial director Photis Lambrianides says early Cyprus sales are indicating the island will do well this year, especially through the Larnaca gateway. "Cyprus showed early promise and the momentum has been maintained," he adds.

Planet Holidays The operator has boosted its Cyprus portfolio with a number of new properties for this summer.

The three-star Paphos Kissos opposite the Elysium Beach Resort in Paphos features for the first time. It has been introduced due to the popularity of weddings at the Elysium and offers an affordable option for family and friends of wedding parties to stay.

In Ayia Napa, So White Boutique Suites and the three-star Bella Napa have been added for wedding guests The Cypria Maris has been reintroduced and will be adultsonly during the summer, while free Wi-Fi is on offer at the Four Seasons in Limassol, while the Palm Beach Hotel and Bungalows in Larnaca is refurbishing its 40 bungalows.

Sovereign Travel The upmarket operator is offering savings of £1,800 on luxury family holidays to Cyprus.

Seven nights at the Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort costs from £4,379 for a family of four, including resort transfers, return flights and based on 27 July departures.

Best seller Cyprus specialist Cyplon Holidays says its top-selling hotel is the Ayii Anargyri Boutique Spa Resort.

Located between Paphos and Polis, the 55-room hotel is a former 16th century monastery that has been transformed into a luxury spa resort.

Renowned for its healing properties from the natural sulphur spring water, which is available directly to some guest rooms, the resort harnesses the healing power of the natural spring water in its treatments, which include chromatherapy.

Prices lead in at £619 per person for seven nights including flights, transfers and one complimentary spa treatment per guest.

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CYPRUS Why Cyprus?

The lowdown on Cyprus and what makes it stand out in the Med crowd.

10 unique Byzantine churches with fresco paintings within the Troodos mountain range.

Location: It’s the southernmost island in the eastern Mediterranean. Long summers with warm sunshine in Spring and Autumn, average temperatures of mid to late 20°C. Paperwork: no visas are required for UK nationals Getting there: it’s easily accessible on just a four-and-a-half hour flight with a choice of London and regional airports by a number of airlines, including scheduled and no frills. National carrier Cyprus Airways serves the island twice a day with afternoon and evening flights to Larnaca from Heathrow Terminal 1. The full-service, scheduled airline operates twoclass cabin configurations - economy and business - on a fleet of Airbus A320s. Prices lead in at £220 return including taxes.

Room service: there’s a wide choice of hotels from budget to five-star, from family-run, boutique hotels to rural retreats and agrotourism projects to spa and wellbeing resorts.

Geography: it’s an island of contrasts, from sandy beaches with azure, clean waters to majestic mountains with picturesque villages and ancient sites.

Culture: the island has a rich cultural heritage with 10,000 years of history, including many UNESCO World Heritage sites,

Niche markets Hiking is big in Cyprus as the island has 97 walking paths, which take in the unspoilt Akamas region (far west), the Alpineesque Troodos Mountains and the coastal area in the east.

Accommodation is in boutique or small, family-run hotels, providing a chance to explore rural Cypriot life.

Cycling: a new addition to the existing Troodos cycling routes will soon offer cyclists new challenges. A second signposted route starting from the centre of Limassol leading through picturesque villages into the mountains is under way, with the route set to open in the autumn.

Diving: throughout this year, £1.3 million is being invested in creating five new marine parks, encouraging the growth and protection of marine life around Cyprus. The island is already home to more than 200 acknowledged dive sites, including the Zenobia ship wreck.

Golf: golfers love Cyprus as the island is home to four golf courses – the newest addition being the Elea Golf Club designed by Nick Faldo.

Wine: the island has a wine-making history that dates back 5,000 years, so wine-tasting is a popular holiday pastime with 40 boutique wineries in the Troodos Mountains.

Festivals Throughout the year there are a number of events for visitors to choose from including the Limassol Wine Festival, Paphos Aphrodite Festival and the annual summer Shakespeare Festival at the Kourion Theatre.

Anything else…?

English is widely spoken, driving is on the left, main electrics are standard three-pin (the same as in the UK) and a holiday on the island offers visitors the unique opportunity to go on a short cruise to visit the Pyramids, Holy Land or the Greek Islands.

Sovereign managing director Steph Pritchard says that offers from hoteliers are helping to reignite consumer confidence in Cyprus. “We’ve seen a real turnaround for Cyprus in the last few weeks and bookings have really picked up. This can be attributed to some really alluring offers in the market, but also the fact that Cyprus is a popular holiday destination.”

Louis Hotels The Cypriot Hotel chain has put the finishing touches to its ambitious renovation project of some of its properties.

The Royal Apollonia Beach, Limassol, Cyprus has refurbished all of its rooms, public areas and has a new landscape, and a new island-shaped pool.

All of the 239 rooms at the four-star Louis Imperial Beach in Paphos have new decor and furniture and a new Asian restaurant has been added. Meanwhile, new deluxe studios have been added at the Louis King Jason Luxury Apartment Complex in Paphos.

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Greek chic It’s hard to keep a fabulous destination down so it seems, and Greece is back in vogue again

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ast year, you couldn’t open a newspaper without seeing a headline about the faltering Greek economy; and while this may have had an effect on visitor numbers in 2012, the absence of doom and gloom headlines this year means that operators are much more optimistic about the country’s tourism fortunes.

Olympic Holidays commercial director Photis Lambrianides says: "With Greece's financial problems no longer on the news agenda, the islands have regained their long-established popularity and bookings are going well.

"Good offers by hoteliers across all sectors of the market have given sales a much-needed boost. With prices good and the product right, I am sure the Greek islands will do well this year.

"The islands cater to a cross-section of the holiday market and we've seen particularly strong demand for the larger islands of Crete and Rhodes, with the small islands generally also doing well."

Lambrianides says: "The smaller Greek islands, including Halki and Symi reached via Rhodes, tend to sell earlier, with clients having pinpointed them well in advance as places they want to visit.

"Agents should make themselves aware of the Greek islands' widely varying attractions. With such an extensive choice of islands, they will find holidays to match all client demands."

Cosmos product manager Gemma Carroll reiterates Lambrianides’ comments. She says: “Our 2013 Greece programme is our most comprehensive yet with the introduction of new destinations and more regional flying from East Midlands and Leeds Bradford.”

So with Greece back in favour, what’s big news for summer 2013?

For families If there’s one way to keep a young boy happy on holiday, it’s to ensure that football features in some way.

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Sani Resort in Halkidiki will be putting a smile on many young kids’ faces this summer with the launch of the new children’s football academy. Organised by the Worldwide Kids Company Football Academy children from five to 14 will be able to take part in a two-hour football camp that is held six days a week.

Also new for this summer is the open-air garden theatre where there will be shows for the kids, including anything from Disney to We Will Rock You. There is also a new junior spa and pop-up events throughout the summer.

How much? Sovereign has seven nights’ half-board at Sani leading in at £5,165 for a family of four. The price includes two free child places, a free child flight, transfers and flights.

Mark Warner is offering free Wi-Fi at all of its summer resorts for 2013 and is including British Airways flights on all packages out of London.

The activity specialist has also made a number of improvements to its resorts including: a full refurbishment of Lakitira Beach Resort in Kos and the upgrading of the resort’s water sports equipment; and the opening of a third restaurant, a Greek Taverna, at the five-star Levante Beach Resort in Rhodes.

Mark Warner has also invested £250,000 in new water sports equipment at its resorts and is offering guided tours of differing levels of ability and mountain bike hire for free at most of its resorts.

How much? Prices start at £655 per person for seven nights’ half-board at Levante Beach Resort in Rhodes and include flights, transfers, kids’ clubs, evening childcare, teenagers’ club and water sports.

For families who want a holiday without the kids’ clubs, Think Ionian Islands’ Unspoilt Greece portfolio has a number of family villas on the lesser-known islands of Meganissi and Lefkada.

The properties are ideal for families looking to escape the 11

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GREECE crowds offering them the chance to experience Lefkada and Meganissi’s sandy beaches, villages, tavernas and cobalt crystal clear waters How much? Seven nights in Al Olivar villa, which sleeps four, costs £2,050. The villa is in a panoramic seafront position, has a jetty and water sports facilities, a pool and is in close proximity on foot (or by boat) to the harbour tavernas of nearby Vathi.

For active types If your clients are big fans of sailing, then you should point them in the direction of Intrepid Travel’s 10-day Sail Greece: Cylcades Islands adventure.

The trip will visit the more established islands in the Cyclades such as Santorini, Ios and Mykonos, as well as the lesser-known islands, including Amorgos, Small Cyclades, Naxos, Syros, Sifnos and Folegandros.

There is an experienced skipper on board so passengers can learn the ropes, or simply enjoy the voyage.

The cost of meals is payable locally, with a trip kitty of €80 per person to cover breakfasts and lunches that the group prepare on the yacht, and evening meals are eaten in locally-owned waterfront tavernas and restaurants.

How much? Intrepid Travel has reduced the price of the 10day small group sailing adventure by 25% with prices now starting from £1,075 per person (excluding flights).

What's new Cyplon Holidays is offerings its customers the chance to experience Greece Mamma Mia style with a cruise excursion to some of the locations that appeared in the hit film. The tour takes visitors on board a renovated traditional fishing boat to visit the deserted island of Arko and two of the best beaches on the island of Skopelos. The cruise costs £55 per person and departs only on Tuesdays. The Greece specialist has seen strong demand for summer particularly for twin centres mixing mainland Greece and the islands, in particular the Classical Tour of Greece which visits Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora and finishes with four days in Santorini. Prices from £1,599 per person.

Aegean Airlines is adding a new Manchester to Athens route.

The service, which will operate twice a week from 25-26 May October, will complement the airline’s existing three daily flights from Heathrow to Athens with an extensive network of online connections throughout Greece.

Sunvil Holidays has introduced a Boutique Greece selection of luxury and historic properties that are located in some of Greece’s more remote areas. These include the Avli Lounge, Crete, Kinsterna Hotel, Peloponnese; Aigialos Traditional Settlement, Santorini with prices from £927 for seven nights’ B&B at the Kinsterna Hotel.

Classic Collection Holidays The upmarket specialist has introduced Zante to its Greece and Cyprus programme for Summer 2013 with a selection of four and five-star hotels in Tsilivi, Laganas and Vassilikos. Adult prices start at £699 with child prices from £427 in mid-June for seven nights’ room-only.

Cosmos The Mediterranean specialist has added some new destinations for summer 2013. These include the resorts of Afissos, Horto, Kala Nera and Koropi in the Pelion region and Niforeika, Skafidia and Kyllini in the Peloponnese. Seven nights’ self-catering at the Diplomats Studios and Apartments in Horto in Pelion costs from £619 per person including flights and transfers.

Olympic Holidays The Greece specialist has boosted its summer sun programme with the addition of some five-star hotels.

These include: the Aria Lito Mansion, Imperial Med Resort & Spa and Nine Muses Santorini Resort, all in Santorini; Theoxenia Hotel and Palladium Hotel, both in Mykonos; and Sivota Diamond Spa Resort in Sivota. Seven nights' B&B at the Aria Lito Mansion, Santorini costs from £635 per person in June.

Louis Hotels The Greece hotel chain has revamped its Louis Creta Princess hotel for summer 2013. There is now a water park with five different slides, a new kids’ pool with theme jungle slides and all of the garden rooms and public areas have been renovated.

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The popular island of Santorini

Explore has the perfect walking holiday for those who love a bit of adventure on foot.

The 15-day Greek Island Wanderer tour starts off in Athens before heading down to the Cyclades islands by ferry to explore the islands of Syros, Paros, Santorini and Naxos.

Highlights include a walking tour of Athens’ Old Quarter of Plaka and a walk up Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades.

How much? This 15-day tour starts at £1,226 per person including flights, 14 nights’ bed and breakfast, transport and the services of a tour leader.

For luxury lovers The luxury boutique hotel Grace Santorini is teaming up with legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa to provide a pop-up restaurant at the hotel from 3-9 October.

The resort will feature the Omakase set menu giving the

All About The Mediterranean Islands

perfect way to sample the Matsuhisa cuisine, known for its unique Japanese-Peruvian union.

How much? Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights’ B&B from £1,638 per person including flights and transfers.

The hotel group Santikos Hotels has added a number of new activities at their properties for 2013.

Skiathos Princess Hotel has introduced healthy living options for 2013, which includes YOGAqua. This gives guests the chance to take their yoga classes on a paddle board.

The healthy living programme also includes meal plans, activities and spa treatments.

At sister hotel Aegean Suites, a local guide will be taking guests on herb hikes and walking tours of Skiathos.

How much? Thomas Cook Holidays with Style offers seven nights’ B&B from £825 per person.

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TRAINING/INCENTIVES

For agents...

Siracusa features in some of Arblaster and Clarke's tours of Sicily

Voucher incentives The InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus is offering agents the chance to earn £40 Love2shop vouchers on any seven-night bookings they make. For 14-night reservations, they will receive £80 worth of vouchers. In addition, every new booking is entered into a prize draw to win seven nights for four people on an all-inclusive basis staying in our presidential suite. For more details: www.aphroditehills.com/cyprus/offers/summer-incentive Sunspot Tours is offering agents the chance to earn £20 for every booking they make to Malta and Gozo from the operator’s new 2013/14 all-year round brochure from September 2013-August 2014. The new brochure features 66 hotels with a variety of board basis, and an increased number of special offers across the hotels featured such as no single supplements.

Prices start at £279 per person for seven nights’ half-board.

Holiday giveaways Intrepid Travel is offering UK agents a ‘sell three, get one free’ incentive on a selection of its European sailing trips.

Agents who book three passengers on Intrepid’s sailing adventures around the Greek islands, Croatian Islands, Amalfi Coast or along Turkey’s Aegean Coast before 30 June will qualify for one free of charge place on any of the same list of sailing trips.

If they book six passengers, they can also take a friend for free.

The incentive covers the cost of the sailing trip only, and does not include flights, transfers or meals not included in the tour. For more details, agents should contact their business development manager at Intrepid or visit www.intrepidtravel.com/agents Educationals The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has two more educationals planned for 2013 following two earlier this year.

The next one is due to take place in June and is open to special-interest operators keen to experience the wide range of activities on offer including cycling, golf and the island’s gastronomy.

The fourth fam trip will take retail agents out to Cyprus in the autumn. Most of the itineraries take agents to visit the main attractions in each region as well as a selection of accommodation.

During the visits, presentations are also arranged in conjunction with the regional tourist boards where agents have the opportunity 14

to receive updates on new developments and the unique selling point of each region.

Agents interested in attending a fam trip should contact Stelios Constantinides by email at stelios.ctolon@btconnect.com or Costas Catsellis at costasctolon@btconnect.com Cosmos Holidays is hosting a seven-night fam trip to Malta in June in partnership with Visit Malta. A total of 17 UK agents will visit the island and take part in an itinerary that has been designed to increase agents’ knowledge of the island as well as showcase the Cosmos Malta programme.

Training The Cyprus Tourism Organisation runs a series of face-to-face training sessions throughout the year to keep agents up to date on what’s new and the best ways to sell the island.

The CTO’s sales and marketing officers undertake a series of sales calls in various regions, visiting individual agencies to update them on the tourist product and to get some feedback from agents.

Training sessions are also arranged with both operators and retail agencies. A presentation is made to groups of 15-30 agents, highlighting each region’s main attractions and niche activities.

Agents wishing to find out more about the CTO’s travel trade activities can contact Stelios Constantinides by email at stelios.ctolon@btconnect.com or Costas Catsellis at costasctolon@btconnect.com Trade relations Wine tours specialist Arblaster and Kent is looking to expand the number of agents that it employs following its decision to join AITO’s All-stars booking incentive scheme last year.

Head of business development Paddy Daly says he is keen to hear from any agents who want to work with him. “Our product is very specialised but few people realise that we offer cycling, walking, city breaks, short breaks, cookery, river cruises, ocean cruises and opera breaks too. I am very happy to meet agents and talk them through our product. Or if they are meeting a client at a certain time, we can arrange for one of the tours team to ring to answer any specific queries.”

The specialist is currently offering agents 20% commission on bookings for its Sicily and Islands wine tour that departs on 7 July.

Agents who would like to hear more about Arblaster and Kent should email paddy@winetours.co.uk All About The Mediterranean Islands

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QUESTION TIME In the second of our new Question Time feature, we talk to five agents about their experiences of selling the islands in the Mediterranean 1. What destinations in the Mediterranean are selling well and why do you think this is?

Jack Leaf, Travel Counsellor: “Greece and Cyprus mainly. They know how to present a hotel for a reasonable price.”

Gabi Birbeck, Rendezvous Travel: “Greece and Cyprus – perfect weather, huge range of accommodation and wonderful people.”

Cathie O’Dea, Travel Counsellor: “Italy is doing very well as there are many interesting possibilities for twin and multi-centre holidays. The Greek islands are proving popular this year too despite the economy. My customers are generally looking for small and charming hotels.”

Marie Rayner: “Cyprus because it has a lot to offer visitors, plenty of places to visit and some beautiful hotels.”

Debby King: “Croatia as visitors can avoid the euro bad exchange rates; Majorca is a family favourite and Malta has good prices.”

2. What destinations are not selling well and why?

Jack Leaf: “Spain is a difficult seller, I think they’ve sold out to operators who prefer to sell directly, even if they don’t openly admit.”

Gabi Birbeck: “Malta is difficult.”

Marie Rayner: “Italy, Portugal and France are not selling very well. Flights are getting expensive and food and drink are also expensive once they are there.”

Cathie O’Dea: “The Spanish islands aren’t selling as well for me this year.”

Debby King: “Greece. People are a little wary due to the economic climate.”

3. Is the Mediterranean still a very package-holiday driven market?

Jack Leaf: “Regrettably, I think clients All About The Mediterranean Islands

only appreciate the ATOL message if they’ve experienced something go wrong previously. While the Mediterranean is a good seller, I am sure some of my clients book themselves unbeknown to me. I had a client ask for Italian lakes and I switch-sold him to Croatia due to budget. Prestige Holidays embraced my enquiry and enthused the whole way through and then the client booked the hotels himself because it was cheaper – but who led him to them? The ATOL message just fell on deaf ears.”

Gabi Birbeck: “Our Greece clients want off the beaten track, so need an agent. I tend to do a lot more of tailor-made holidays for my customers, as they have a certain budget in mind.”

Marie Rayner: “I get some customers that come to me and say I have found this holiday on the internet can you beat it? When I look at the details they have been given, it’s not always right, so I will always say to my customers by booking with me you will be fully protected and make sure they get their ATOL Certificate once they have booked.”

Cathie O’Dea: “I am selling less and less package holidays every year as five or 10 nights are now the most popular durations so it is usually more cost effective to package these myself under ATOL flight plus.”

Debby King: “Packages often work out the best value and most people who come into the agency want to know they have ATOL protection.”

4. Do people still think that if you leave it until the last minute when booking your holiday in the Med, they will get a good deal?

Jack Leaf: “Luckily I don’t deal with the “late” or “charter” market – yet many of

Gabi Birbeck

Jack Leaf

Debby King

Marie Rayner

Cathie O’Dea

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QUESTION TIME

The majority of agents agree that the Greek islands such as Santorini are proving popular this year

my regular clients are leaving booking holidays later and later, due to expectation of special offers.”

Gabi Birbeck: “They have learnt not to do this if they are discerning.”

Marie Rayner: “Some customers do leave it until the last-minute thinking they will get a bargain, but others book early because they know what they want and want to be able to know it’s all booked and it gives them longer to pay for it.”

Cathie O’Dea: “It depends on the time of year. If clients book early enough, scheduled flights can often work out cheaper than charters especially in the school holidays. The £99 late deals are a thing of the past but that is good for the industry.”

Debby King: “Some customers are still under the impression they may get a late deal but most people have been caught out over the last couple of years and have decided booking early is the best option.”

5. Are any holidays that you booked to the Med all about your clients seeking sun, sea and sand or do you find that people are going in search of culture too?

Jack Leaf: “For the most part, it’s in search of the sun, sea and sand. I have been pushing Sicily, especially 16

Taormina after my own holiday there last June.”

Gabi Birbeck: “Off-the-beaten track is definitely on the agenda more.”

Marie Rayner: “A lot of my customers like the sun and sea but they also like to be able to do things during the day.”

Cathie O’Dea: “My clients tend to seek a bit of both and the trend is towards multi-centre holidays with culture, gastronomy, activity and nature as well as a nice beach.”

Debby King: “Families generally want a good hotel with lots of facilities to keep the children amused. There are some customers who like to take a car hire and explore or have lots of excursions pre-booked.”

6. Is it an easy region to sell in the shoulder season?

Jack Leaf: “Nowhere is easy to sell these days.”

Gabi Birbeck: “Extremely and becoming more popular for weekend breaks.”

Marie Rayner: “Yes, I sell the Med all year round.”

Cathie O’Dea: Yes, but for a different market. Single travellers and older couples are more likely to travel out of season.”

Debby King: “The weather in the Med can be glorious in May, June and

September so often people like to take advantage of the resorts being less busy. Restaurants often reduce their prices to encourage trade too.”

7. Have you seen holiday durations to the Med change? Are people taking more holidays to the Med but as shorter durations?

Jack Leaf: “I am one person with a limited client base, not all of whom holiday in the Med even once, but no I haven’t observed this trend.”

Gabi Birbeck: “Gone are the days of holidays in blocks of seven-night durations. We now book any period, but three, five and nine nights are popular.”

Marie Rayner: “I have customers that will have anything from a three-night weekend trip to 10, 15, 21 or 35-night trips.”

Cathie O’Dea: “Yes, as flight prices and taxes increase, 14 nights have become 10 and seven nights have become five.”

Debby King: “Customers do try to make the most of their holiday entitlement from work so we do have enquiries for long weekends of four and five nights. Families like 10-night durations if possible.”

Marie Rayner: “I have customers that will have anything from a three-night All About The Mediterranean Islands

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QUESTION TIME weekend trip to 10-, 15-, 21-, 35-night trips. It’s great when you tailor-make a holiday rather than just offering a customer the normal seven, 10 or 14 nights.”

8. Do you sell many cruise holidays to the Med? If yes, which ones and what type of clients, eg families, couples, solo travellers, etc?

Jack Leaf: “I try to avoid cruise enquiries or pass them to more appreciative colleagues.”

Gabi Birbeck: “Not many conventional cruises to the Med. We sell holidays on a fabulous 10-berth motorised yacht around the Cyclades – it’s bare-foot escapism.”

Marie Rayner: “I don’t do many cruises but some customers like the western Med as the places that you can visit are different from a normal Med holiday.”

Cathie O’Dea: “I sell a few cruises but far less than I used to.”

Debby King: “We don’t sell many cruises but the ones we do sell, people often like a

cruise and stay. We get excellent feedback on the Thomson Cruise ships for value in the Med.” 9. Are weddings and honeymoons still big business for some of the destinations in the Med? Jack Leaf: “Weddings tend to go to Caribbean or Indian Ocean. Yes, I have put together several summer honeymoons to the Med when long haul is less attractive.”

Gabi Birbeck: “Weddings in Cyprus are booking. Nearly all the hotels have designated wedding planners.”

Marie Rayner: “Yes, I do a lot of weddings, at the moment I have a group of 28 going out to Cyprus in June and I will be going with them to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

Cathie O’Dea: “Not really, most honeymooners prefer to save up for a long-haul destination for their once in a lifetime experience.”

Debby King: “We have had a number of enquiries for Italian weddings for 2014. The availability of low cost flights help as guests can travel out for a relatively low price and only need stay a few days.”

10. What sort of information would you like to receive more of from suppliers?

Jack Leaf: “I have never had a fam trip to the Med – aside from Tel Aviv. But information is readily available from super operators such as Prestige, Classic Collection and Carrier with a quick phone call.”

Gabi Birbeck: “Recommended itineraries and ferry schedules would be good along with window and point-of-sale material.”

Marie Rayner: “I like to receive all types of information as I use a lot of it for my customers, yes it is great to get fam trip info too. If you go on fam trips, you can pick up so much information by thinking that oh yes I have a customer that would love this hotel.”

Cathie O’Dea: “Maps are always useful and also small, up-to-date guides.”

Debby King: “Fam trips are extremely valuable as we pride ourselves on first-hand knowledge. It helps 100% in selling a destination if we’ve been.

Operators are pretty good at keeping us informed of hotel updates.”

Agents agreed Cyprus's quality hotels and cultural offering help ensure the island still appeals to Britons

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The best of the rest So we have looked at Greece, Cyprus and Malta, but what’s happening on the other islands in the Med? Majorca Mallorca Farmhouses is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year by expanding its portfolio of properties.

For summer, the accommodation-only specialist has added six luxury self-catering properties, including a range of country villas, a farmhouse and a renovated windmill. Prices start at ÂŁ725 per week and all properties include maid service, a private pool, a starter pack and free internet.

Meanwhile, Prestige Holidays marketing manager Nicky Shafe says the island is selling really well this summer. “We have seen a 43% increase in bookings year on year. It's different from other package destinations as its popularity seldom wanes.�

The operator's most popular hotels are the four-star Illa D'or in the peaceful resort of Puerto Pollensa and the four star Es Moli in the delightful village of Deia."

Olympic Holidays has also seen steady growth for the islands of Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza since it introduced the destinations to its Summer Sun programme last year. Commercial director Photis Lambrianides says: "Sales to the Balearics for summer 2013 have shown a good increase and we saw a decent level of early bookings.

Our offer of three and four-star hotels has been well received."

Minorca The first luxury boutique hotel opened on the Balearic island of Minorca earlier this month. Torralbenc, a new Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, has only 22 rooms set in a traditional Minorcan finca, surrounded by farmland and vineyards.

Facilities include a Mediterranean restaurant, outdoor pool, cookery classes,wine-tasting and spa treatments.

Prices start at ÂŁ153 per room per night.

Ibiza The Palladium Hotel Group is opening a new luxury hotel in Ibiza later this month. The eight-floor UshuaĂŻa Tower forms part of an expansion project of the luxurious UshuaĂŻa Ibiza Beach Hotel, renowned for hosting some of the best daytime parties in Ibiza. The

new property will have outdoor Jacuzzis, infinity-edge pool, an Oyster and Caviar bar and 24-hour room service. The Tower will also house Ibiza’s first official steakhouse, headed up by British chef Richard Turner.

Corsica Kirker Holidays has introduced Corsica this year with the launch of its first dedicated brochure to France. The specialist is offering seven nights’ B&B at U Capu Biancu which overlooks the Gulf of Santa Manza from £1,498 per person. Italy Cultural tours specialist Peter Sommer is featuring a seven-night Gastronomic Tour of Sicily for 2013.

This week-long tour explores the island’s history and the culinary traditions during the autumn harvest, and will include tastings of some of Sicily’s best seasonal produce. The tour also visits the San Basilio Olive Farm and Ortigia’s outdoor food market, Mount Etna, Taormina’s Roman theatre and Syracuse Archaeological Park.

Prices lead in at £2,495 per person and include transfers, seven nights’ B&B, nine other meals, all entrance fees, tastings and expert guiding. Flights are not included.

For a holiday with a difference, wine tours specialist Arblaster & Clarke is offering wine lovers the chance to experience Sicily from the intimacy of luxury yacht Voyager.

The cruise will follow a route around Sicily, calling in on the remote island of Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands.

The tour will explore the small ports around the island and visits wine producers such as Donnafugata, Tasca D'Almerita and Pupillo.

Prices lead in at £5,250 per person and include flights, transfers, seven nights’ full board with Arblaster & Clarke's selection of wines; three winery lunches with wine and coach transfers; wine tastings and excursions. The tour takes place from 7-14 July and agents will have the chance to earn 20% commission on bookings for the remaining cabins.

-!,4! &,)'(43 &2/- ĂŁ PP &/2 35--%2 9 NEW Gatwick weekly ight to Malta for summer ‘13 9 NINE UK airports with ights to Malta 9 ALL prices are fully inclusive of taxes and are ATOL protected * Price based on one way departure

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Flights from: GATWICK, BIRMINGHAM, EAST MIDLANDS, NEWCASTLE, CARDIFF, GLASGOW, EXETER, BRISTOL AND NORWICH 2ESERVATIONS !DMIN

\ 6IEWDATA \ AVROAGENTS CO UK * *Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras

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HOLIDAYS FOR LESS

Holidays for less than...

From budget to affordable luxury, what can agents expect to find for their clients looking for holidays on islands in the Med? We talk to the operators to find out what the best deals are at the moment …£700 Prestige Holidays is featuring seven nights’ bed and breakfast, departing October 10, at Corinthia Palace, Malta in a twin room with flights, private transfers and local representation from £679 per person.

How to book: tel: 01425 480400; www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/malta Dive Worldwide is offering seven nights’ B&B at the Roma Hotel in Malta from £645 per person including flights, transfers, and Dive Pack, which features five days’ diving, 10 boat dives, tanks and weights. Flexible departures.

How to book: tel: 0845 1306980; www.diveworldwide.com Mark Warner has seven nights’ half-board at its San Lucianu resort in Corsica from £499 per person. The child price is £439. The prices include flights and are based on 15 June departures.

How to book: 0844 273 7320; www.markwarner.co.uk

Inntravel’s Southern Sardinia’s Islands, Lighthouses and Memories leads in at £1,048

transfers and local representation from £799 per person.

How to book: tel: 01425 480400; www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/malta Citalia is offering customers the chance to save up to £240 per couple on a seven-night, half-board holiday to the four-star Hotel Caparena and Wellness Club in Taormina in Sicily.

Prices lead in at £835 per person and include a free night, complimentary spa entrance and flights. Price based on departures 2 July.

How to book: tel: 0843 770 4443; www.citalia.com

…£1,000 Thomas Cook Holidays with Style offers seven nights’ B&B at the fivestar Skiathos Princess Hotel in Aghia Paraskevi from £825 per person, departing from Birmingham on 12 July.

How to book: tel: 0844 412 5970; www.thomascook.com

… £1,500 Prestige Holidays is featuring seven nights’ B&B at Elounda Beach, Crete in a double room with a sea view including flights, private transfers and local representation from £1,127 per person.

How to book: tel: 01425 480400; www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/crete

Prestige Holidays features seven nights’ B&B, departing on May 30, staying at Columbia Beachotel in Pissouri, Cyprus with flights, private

Classic Collection Holidays is offering seven nights’ B&B at the Xara Palace Relais and Chateaux hotel in Malta’s walled city of Mdina from £1,464

All About The Mediterranean Islands

per person this July. The price is based on two sharing a deluxe suite with Jacuzzi and includes flights and transfers.

How to book: tel: 0800 008 7288; www.classic-collection.co.uk Inntravel’s Southern Sardinia’s Islands, Lighthouses and Memories journeys around the southern tip of Sardinia take in the ancient Phoenician city of Bithia, the stunning beach at Chia, and the Roman villa and amphitheatre at Nora near charming Pula. Prices lead in at £1,028 per person based on two sharing, including seven nights’ B&B with three dinners at family-run hotels along the way, cycle hire, luggage transfers, maps and notes. Flights are not included.

How to book: tel: 01653 617000; www.inntravel.co.uk.

Ionian Island Holidays has seven nights’ B&B at the Emelisse Art Hotel in Fiskardo, Kefalonia departing for £1,466 per person based on departures of 3 August. The price includes flights, transfers and accommodation in a side sea view room.

How to book: tel: 020 8459 0777; www.ionianislandholidays.com 19

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